South by Southwest (SXSW) 2026 kicked off in Austin, Texas, bringing together emerging artists, industry insiders, and music fans from around the world for one of the most anticipated festivals of the year. Known for launching careers and spotlighting rising talent, SXSW continues to be a must-attend event for discovering the future of music.
Photographer Kirk Stauffer captures the energy of Day One with a dynamic collection of live performance shots, candid moments, and the unmistakable atmosphere that defines Austin during SXSW. From intimate showcases to high-energy sets, these images highlight the diversity of artists and genres that make the festival so unique.
Take a look at some of our favorite moments from
Day One of SXSW 2026.
Jess Healey at Batch at SXSW 2026
Rising artist Jess Healey brought her emotive, guitar-driven sound to Batch during SXSW 2026 in Austin, Texas. Known for her expressive vocals and introspective songwriting, Healey delivered a performance that captured the intimate, discovery-driven spirit of SXSW. Her set showcased a strong connection with the audience and highlighted her growing presence in the indie and alternative music scene, marking her as an artist to watch.
Holly Macve at Central Presbyterian Church at SXSW 2026
Holly Macve delivered a hauntingly beautiful performance at Central Presbyterian Church during SXSW 2026, blending her signature atmospheric sound with emotive, storytelling-driven songwriting. The intimate setting perfectly complemented her ethereal vocals, creating a captivating moment that stood out on Day One.
Grandma’s House at Stubb’s Bar-B-Q at SXSW 2026
Grandma’s House brought raw energy and an unapologetic attitude to Stubb’s Bar-B-Q during SXSW 2026. Known for their gritty punk sound and commanding stage presence, the band delivered a high-intensity set that energized the crowd and showcased their rising influence in the alternative scene.
Sarah Crean at Marlow at SXSW 2026
Sarah Crean performed at Marlow during SXSW 2026, offering a heartfelt set defined by expressive vocals and thoughtful songwriting. Her performance created an intimate connection with the audience, highlighting her artistry and growing presence within the singer-songwriter space.
Angela Autumn at The 13th Floor at SXSW 2026
Angela Autmn lit up The 13th Floor during SXSW 2026 with a bold, genre-blending performance that fused edgy aesthetics with dynamic sound. Her set highlighted a unique artistic identity and a fearless approach to live performance, making her one of the more intriguing acts of the day.
Lucky at Elysium at SXSW 2026
Lucky took the stage at Elysium during SXSW 2026 with a performance that captured the festival’s vibrant, underground spirit. With an engaging presence and a sound that resonated with the late-night crowd, Lucky delivered a set that embodied the discovery-driven energy SXSW is known for.
